?Chapter 1170:


    Ste lifted her hand, her fingertips brushing Marc’s stubbled cheek. Her eyes shimmered with warmth and quiet affection.


    Marc’s heart twisted. The guilt and longing he carried seemed to dissolve beneath her touch. He pulled her close, his voice low but resolute. “Don’t thank me for staying,” he murmured. “Having you here… makes every hardship worth it.”


    A soft smile curved Ste’s lips as she teased him about how sweet he’d be since she woke from thea. Marc chuckled quietly, letting the sound mask the ache in his chest.


    Across the city, William—now in Nina’s custody—was escorted aboard a private jet. Nina paused at the cabin door, casting onest nce at Choria’s skyline before disappearing inside. Momentster, the aircraft lifted into the clouds, leaving behind only a fading trail against the horizon.


    The next afternoon, Lance stood outside Ste’s hospital room. Through the ss, he saw her sitting by the window, sunlight cascading around her like a halo.


    A booky open on herp. Beside her, Marc knelt quietly, unfolding a nket and wrapping it gently around her shoulders.


    “It gets cold in the evenings,” he said softly. “Be careful not to catch a chill.”


    Ste looked up, her eyes bright. “Marc, once I’m discharged, let’s have the wedding. I don’t want to wait any longer.”


    Marc’s hand paused. A flicker of hesitation crossed his face before he smiled. “Alright. Once you’re out, we’ll do it.”


    “I want to wear the Vera gown you liked,” she said. “And the ceremony—by the sea, like our first date.”


    Outside, Lance felt his chest tighten as he watched her. He started to turn and leave.


    Inside, Ste began to cough lightly.


    Marc immediately stood, worry shing in his eyes. “What’s wrong? Should I call the doctor?”


    Ste waved him off with a smile. “It’s just a dry throat. You worry too much.”


    Marc poured her a ss of water, testing the temperature before handing it to her. “Drink slowly,” he said. “You’re going to be my wife soon. I can’t take any risks.”


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    There was a double meaning in his words, though Ste didn’t notice.


    From outside the door, Lance watched in silence. All at once, he felt like an intruder in a world that would never be his.


    “Mr. Carter, aren’t you going in?” a voice behind him asked.


    He shook his head and walked away.


    That night, the gardeny quiet beneath the moonlight. Lance wandered alone, his thoughts tangled and heavy. Later, he stopped outside Karson’s study, lifted his hand, and knocked.


    “Grandfather,” he said softly, “I saw Ste today.”


    Karson looked up from his desk.


    Lance’s voice was low, threaded with resignation. “She seems happy. Truly happy.”


    Even though he knew that happiness was temporary, it was real for Ste.


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